Dr Nigel Fletcher
@nigelfletcher.bsky.social
UK political historian, lecturer and writer;
Co-founder of the Centre for Opposition Studies.
Cake, campery & historical/constitutional trivia. 🍰🏳️🌈 📖 🇬🇧
Website: www.nigelfletcher.org
Subscribe to my newsletter:
https://nigelfletcher.substack.com
Co-founder of the Centre for Opposition Studies.
Cake, campery & historical/constitutional trivia. 🍰🏳️🌈 📖 🇬🇧
Website: www.nigelfletcher.org
Subscribe to my newsletter:
https://nigelfletcher.substack.com
OK, it’s Twelfth Night, and this all needs to be eaten.
Them’s the rules. 🍰
Them’s the rules. 🍰
January 5, 2026 at 9:05 PM
OK, it’s Twelfth Night, and this all needs to be eaten.
Them’s the rules. 🍰
Them’s the rules. 🍰
Our cottage is still looking unfeasibly pretty in the snow, but-as I’m told that doxing yourself by plastering photos of your actual house online is generally a bad idea, you’ll just have to believe me on that.
But put it this way- I watched The Holiday at the weekend and… yep, we’re prettier.
But put it this way- I watched The Holiday at the weekend and… yep, we’re prettier.
January 5, 2026 at 5:05 PM
Our cottage is still looking unfeasibly pretty in the snow, but-as I’m told that doxing yourself by plastering photos of your actual house online is generally a bad idea, you’ll just have to believe me on that.
But put it this way- I watched The Holiday at the weekend and… yep, we’re prettier.
But put it this way- I watched The Holiday at the weekend and… yep, we’re prettier.
It SNOWED! And we live in a country cottage now, so it seems I’ve woken up in a Hallmark Christmas movie.
January 2, 2026 at 12:07 PM
It SNOWED! And we live in a country cottage now, so it seems I’ve woken up in a Hallmark Christmas movie.
I’ve just been told off for being too smug, having said from series one of #TheTraitors that it needs an element where we as the audience also have to guess along.
This is going to be fun.
This is going to be fun.
January 1, 2026 at 9:24 PM
I’ve just been told off for being too smug, having said from series one of #TheTraitors that it needs an element where we as the audience also have to guess along.
This is going to be fun.
This is going to be fun.
Anyway, Happy New Year, everyone. Hope 2026 brings you all you desire.
Or at least just enough of it to make you reasonably happy without becoming unbearably smug.
Or at least just enough of it to make you reasonably happy without becoming unbearably smug.
December 31, 2025 at 11:53 PM
Anyway, Happy New Year, everyone. Hope 2026 brings you all you desire.
Or at least just enough of it to make you reasonably happy without becoming unbearably smug.
Or at least just enough of it to make you reasonably happy without becoming unbearably smug.
Must say “If tomorrow never comes” was a choice for a New Year’s Eve party, Ronan.
December 31, 2025 at 11:50 PM
Must say “If tomorrow never comes” was a choice for a New Year’s Eve party, Ronan.
Catching up on the honours list coverage, and having a sly chuckle at how many people’s reaction to getting a gong is to declare how deeply “humbled” they are.
The word is the opposite of “honoured”, yet is now used almost as though it means the same thing.
It’s OK to just say you’re chuffed.
The word is the opposite of “honoured”, yet is now used almost as though it means the same thing.
It’s OK to just say you’re chuffed.
December 31, 2025 at 9:46 AM
Catching up on the honours list coverage, and having a sly chuckle at how many people’s reaction to getting a gong is to declare how deeply “humbled” they are.
The word is the opposite of “honoured”, yet is now used almost as though it means the same thing.
It’s OK to just say you’re chuffed.
The word is the opposite of “honoured”, yet is now used almost as though it means the same thing.
It’s OK to just say you’re chuffed.
Not sure what other New Year’s Resolutions I’ll come up with, but the first one is unavoidably going to be “finish writing the damn book. Immediately.”
I suppose another will be “make sure next year I don’t leave myself with thousands of words a day to write over the Christmas ‘break’.”
I suppose another will be “make sure next year I don’t leave myself with thousands of words a day to write over the Christmas ‘break’.”
December 31, 2025 at 9:16 AM
Not sure what other New Year’s Resolutions I’ll come up with, but the first one is unavoidably going to be “finish writing the damn book. Immediately.”
I suppose another will be “make sure next year I don’t leave myself with thousands of words a day to write over the Christmas ‘break’.”
I suppose another will be “make sure next year I don’t leave myself with thousands of words a day to write over the Christmas ‘break’.”
Right- despite it only being the 5th day of Christmas, I’ve had to go back to work on the book. Had the morning off but now it’s nose to the grindstone until next draft submission date.
The next week will be fuelled by chocolate and cheese.
Also, my writing barn might need a while to warm up… 🥶
The next week will be fuelled by chocolate and cheese.
Also, my writing barn might need a while to warm up… 🥶
December 29, 2025 at 2:17 PM
Right- despite it only being the 5th day of Christmas, I’ve had to go back to work on the book. Had the morning off but now it’s nose to the grindstone until next draft submission date.
The next week will be fuelled by chocolate and cheese.
Also, my writing barn might need a while to warm up… 🥶
The next week will be fuelled by chocolate and cheese.
Also, my writing barn might need a while to warm up… 🥶
I was given a soup maker for Christmas, so there’s a good chance that by the time my husband arrives back from driving relatives home today, the entire pantry of leftovers will have been liquified in a series of questionable combinations.
December 27, 2025 at 1:32 PM
I was given a soup maker for Christmas, so there’s a good chance that by the time my husband arrives back from driving relatives home today, the entire pantry of leftovers will have been liquified in a series of questionable combinations.
STOP BEING SO CUTE!
How am I supposed to concentrate on eating my own bodyweight in leftovers when there’s so much feline festive posing going on?!
🎄 🐈
How am I supposed to concentrate on eating my own bodyweight in leftovers when there’s so much feline festive posing going on?!
🎄 🐈
December 26, 2025 at 10:02 PM
STOP BEING SO CUTE!
How am I supposed to concentrate on eating my own bodyweight in leftovers when there’s so much feline festive posing going on?!
🎄 🐈
How am I supposed to concentrate on eating my own bodyweight in leftovers when there’s so much feline festive posing going on?!
🎄 🐈
There’s something very comforting about Christmas repeats of films that have become staples of the season.
I’m sure I remember Indiana Jones from when it was the “big film” on Christmas Day in the 1980s as its terrestrial TV premiere. And here we are again.
I’m sure I remember Indiana Jones from when it was the “big film” on Christmas Day in the 1980s as its terrestrial TV premiere. And here we are again.
December 26, 2025 at 5:52 PM
There’s something very comforting about Christmas repeats of films that have become staples of the season.
I’m sure I remember Indiana Jones from when it was the “big film” on Christmas Day in the 1980s as its terrestrial TV premiere. And here we are again.
I’m sure I remember Indiana Jones from when it was the “big film” on Christmas Day in the 1980s as its terrestrial TV premiere. And here we are again.
Out of interest, to what temperature do people heat their homes? We have cranked our heating up to the preferences of our houseguests, so it’s been up to 23-24°C (75°F), which is apparently normal for most people, and they do indeed seem happy.
I however am sweltering and feel it’s FAR too hot. 🥵
I however am sweltering and feel it’s FAR too hot. 🥵
a cartoon of donald duck laying on the ground with the words " it 's way too hot " below him
ALT: a cartoon of donald duck laying on the ground with the words " it 's way too hot " below him
media.tenor.com
December 26, 2025 at 1:44 PM
Out of interest, to what temperature do people heat their homes? We have cranked our heating up to the preferences of our houseguests, so it’s been up to 23-24°C (75°F), which is apparently normal for most people, and they do indeed seem happy.
I however am sweltering and feel it’s FAR too hot. 🥵
I however am sweltering and feel it’s FAR too hot. 🥵
OK, it’s time for a seasonal classic from
@nigella.bsky.social: ham in Cola… this year with a Guinness twist…
@nigella.bsky.social: ham in Cola… this year with a Guinness twist…
December 24, 2025 at 10:52 AM
OK, it’s time for a seasonal classic from
@nigella.bsky.social: ham in Cola… this year with a Guinness twist…
@nigella.bsky.social: ham in Cola… this year with a Guinness twist…
It’s time…
For Fanny Cradock at Christmas.
For Fanny Cradock at Christmas.
December 23, 2025 at 7:17 PM
It’s time…
For Fanny Cradock at Christmas.
For Fanny Cradock at Christmas.
Not saying I’m getting jittery about hosting Christmas, but last night found me doing this at 1am to check oven configurations.
December 23, 2025 at 8:48 AM
Not saying I’m getting jittery about hosting Christmas, but last night found me doing this at 1am to check oven configurations.
Oh my goodness, I forgot I did this. I’m so happy to have got this reference in. Just need to find a way to get a Back To The Future quote in and I’ll be laughing.
I've just found an opportunity to quote Sir Humphrey Appleby from "Yes, Prime Minister" at some length in my latest chapter draft, and will fight anyone who tells me to take it out. Writing a book is HARD, so please just let me have this one thing. It's nearly Christmas!
a man in a suit and tie is standing in front of a framed picture
ALT: a man in a suit and tie is standing in front of a framed picture
media.tenor.com
December 20, 2025 at 1:23 PM
Oh my goodness, I forgot I did this. I’m so happy to have got this reference in. Just need to find a way to get a Back To The Future quote in and I’ll be laughing.
Pulled an all-nighter last night to get back on schedule with the book before the Christmas break. Went to bed at 7am having written something that seemed insightful and compelling as dawn broke, but could be utter rubbish.
But it’s done.
Christmas preparations can now begin.
But it’s done.
Christmas preparations can now begin.
a man wearing a santa hat is pointing at a woman while saying let the festivities begin
ALT: a man wearing a santa hat is pointing at a woman while saying let the festivities begin
media.tenor.com
December 20, 2025 at 1:14 PM
Pulled an all-nighter last night to get back on schedule with the book before the Christmas break. Went to bed at 7am having written something that seemed insightful and compelling as dawn broke, but could be utter rubbish.
But it’s done.
Christmas preparations can now begin.
But it’s done.
Christmas preparations can now begin.
Apropos of a certain story tonight, can we also agree that straight men using lazy gay stereotypes as an easy punchline has always been, at the very least, tiresome.
It’s not clever or ironic if the only joke is “Ooh, look, I’m pretending to be gay!”
🙄
It’s not clever or ironic if the only joke is “Ooh, look, I’m pretending to be gay!”
🙄
December 19, 2025 at 10:39 PM
Apropos of a certain story tonight, can we also agree that straight men using lazy gay stereotypes as an easy punchline has always been, at the very least, tiresome.
It’s not clever or ironic if the only joke is “Ooh, look, I’m pretending to be gay!”
🙄
It’s not clever or ironic if the only joke is “Ooh, look, I’m pretending to be gay!”
🙄
Reposted by Dr Nigel Fletcher
Can't believe we're nearly at the end of 2025 - and it's been quite a year in the politics of opposition! Join me and Sarah Southern as we take stock of a dramatic year and look ahead to what 2026 might have in store...
pod.link/oppositionca...
pod.link/oppositionca...
BUMPER CHRISTMAS EDITION! Our festive episode of #OppositionCast is out now, looking back at a dramatic year in the politics of opposition in the UK. Who were the winners and losers, and what might next year have in store?
pod.link/oppositionca...
pod.link/oppositionca...
December 19, 2025 at 12:50 PM
Can't believe we're nearly at the end of 2025 - and it's been quite a year in the politics of opposition! Join me and Sarah Southern as we take stock of a dramatic year and look ahead to what 2026 might have in store...
pod.link/oppositionca...
pod.link/oppositionca...
Can't believe we're nearly at the end of 2025 - and it's been quite a year in the politics of opposition! Join me and Sarah Southern as we take stock of a dramatic year and look ahead to what 2026 might have in store...
pod.link/oppositionca...
pod.link/oppositionca...
BUMPER CHRISTMAS EDITION! Our festive episode of #OppositionCast is out now, looking back at a dramatic year in the politics of opposition in the UK. Who were the winners and losers, and what might next year have in store?
pod.link/oppositionca...
pod.link/oppositionca...
December 19, 2025 at 12:50 PM
Can't believe we're nearly at the end of 2025 - and it's been quite a year in the politics of opposition! Join me and Sarah Southern as we take stock of a dramatic year and look ahead to what 2026 might have in store...
pod.link/oppositionca...
pod.link/oppositionca...
Awww -
Earlier I told the lovely ladies who organise our village coffee morning that I couldn't attend today as I'm still getting over the flu. A few minutes ago there was a knock at the door, and they've only popped over to leave me a box of cakes!
Such a kind thing to do - I'm genuinely touched.
Earlier I told the lovely ladies who organise our village coffee morning that I couldn't attend today as I'm still getting over the flu. A few minutes ago there was a knock at the door, and they've only popped over to leave me a box of cakes!
Such a kind thing to do - I'm genuinely touched.
December 18, 2025 at 1:32 PM
Awww -
Earlier I told the lovely ladies who organise our village coffee morning that I couldn't attend today as I'm still getting over the flu. A few minutes ago there was a knock at the door, and they've only popped over to leave me a box of cakes!
Such a kind thing to do - I'm genuinely touched.
Earlier I told the lovely ladies who organise our village coffee morning that I couldn't attend today as I'm still getting over the flu. A few minutes ago there was a knock at the door, and they've only popped over to leave me a box of cakes!
Such a kind thing to do - I'm genuinely touched.
I've just found an opportunity to quote Sir Humphrey Appleby from "Yes, Prime Minister" at some length in my latest chapter draft, and will fight anyone who tells me to take it out. Writing a book is HARD, so please just let me have this one thing. It's nearly Christmas!
a man in a suit and tie is standing in front of a framed picture
ALT: a man in a suit and tie is standing in front of a framed picture
media.tenor.com
December 18, 2025 at 1:04 PM
I've just found an opportunity to quote Sir Humphrey Appleby from "Yes, Prime Minister" at some length in my latest chapter draft, and will fight anyone who tells me to take it out. Writing a book is HARD, so please just let me have this one thing. It's nearly Christmas!
Having spent a week now trying to continue writing to a tight schedule while battling the most irritatingly persistent cold I’ve had for a while, I can say I’m very much out of patience with it now.
Leave me alone- I need to work!
Leave me alone- I need to work!
December 16, 2025 at 10:51 AM
Having spent a week now trying to continue writing to a tight schedule while battling the most irritatingly persistent cold I’ve had for a while, I can say I’m very much out of patience with it now.
Leave me alone- I need to work!
Leave me alone- I need to work!